Experience Miami Beach with Sense Beach House

The Local House at Sense Beach House, Miami Beach

Last Friday, I experienced Miami Beach in a way I never had before. I was invited out for a morning of SUP (stand up paddleboarding), lunch at The Local House, and a tour of Sense Beach House by owner Ciro Campagnoli. Eating and checking out hotels? I’m in. But, I have to admit, I was a little hesitant about the SUP. Athletic is not exactly the adjective I’d use to describe myself. But, I’m always wishing for more opportunities to take advantage of my proximity to the beautiful blue waters I’m surrounded by. Plus, how hard could it be? You stand and paddle, right? Ha ha.

Our day started off with a fun ride in this bright yellow jeep from Tons of Fun Tours. They offer tours of Miami, South Beach, and The Everglades in the world’s only super stretch Jeep Wranglers and are listed as the #1 Activity on Trip Advisor.

My ride, a stretch Jeep Wrangler from Tons of Fun Tours.

We were dropped off at South Beach Kayak where the nicest brother/sister team geared me up, helped me walk my board out to the bay, took good care of my Havaianas while I was on the water, and even snapped a few pics of our group. They were great and I highly recommend heading their way for kayak and paddleboard rentals on South Beach. They’re located in the Sunset Harbour neighborhood. Word is they get pretty busy on weekends though so reserve in advance.

Here are a few shots of the SUP group…

SUP in Miami…me, on the right and way in the back of that top shot

For this adventure, I wore my new Peter Pilotto for Target rash guard over a matching black two piece…just in case it got a little bit more active than anticipated.

My Peter Pilotto for Target rash guard for SUP

It’s a good thing I did wear that rash guard. I had one little incident of running into a dock post and belly flopping into the water. Graceful, right? Details. Besides that, it was actually pretty easy and quite calming out on the water. The biggest challenge was keeping the board going straight…and keeping up with the rest of the group. You could say it was a bit of a workout for the arms. But overall, smooth sailing and I highly recommend it.

Next we headed to The Local House, the restaurant at Sense Beach House, where we were greeted & seated at a table with fresh white roses and chilled watermelon juice. Perfectly refreshing after our active morning. I couldn’t get enough of that watermelon juice. Seriously, it’s good enough to make me want to go buy a juicer…and I’m not the juicing type.

Fresh Watermelon Juice & White Roses at The Local House

Then came the glorious food…

What We Ate:

Crispy Octopus over Lentil Tomato & Cucumber Salad, Mustard Lemon Emulsion

Fresh Blue Point Oysters from Connecticut

Tuna & Kiwi Sashimi with Jalapeno & Fresno Pepper Rings, Shallots, Sesame and Ginger-Lime Vinaigrette

Crispy Octopus at The Local House

Blue Point Oysters at The Local House

Goat Cheese Croquettes at The Local House 

Greek Salad at The Local House

I’m not an oysters girl, but I heard they these blue point oysters were fab and they went quickly at the table. To be honest, I’m not into sashimi much either but I was adventurous and this version was so good I gulped it right down. The goat cheese croquettes were perfect bite-sized balls of happiness and I probably took more than my share of these…and I’m not sorry. The Greek Salad, which was the new version coming to their summer menu, was fantastically fresh with a huge feta triangle and large chunky tomatoes. The Salmon and Branzino were both quite tasty and were paired nicely with pretty summer veggies. All of this, I washed down with a glass of bubbly. So clearly, they spoiled me.

What I also found out, fish tacos are a new addition to their menu and you can even order them to go and take them out to the beach with you. FYI, their version isn’t like what you’ll find at other taco spots, like Huahua’s. Ciro wanted to create his version of a perfect taco which includes all fresh ingredients, lighter sauces, and even a cream guacamolé. How wonderful! Now, if only we could get them to throw in a watermelon juice for the road too.

After I ate like a queen, I headed up to view a room. The guest room hallways were decorated with fun, kitschy Barbie art. Their guest rooms are quite spacious, had a clean, airy, Hamptons feel with a white and tan color palatte, a large closet, and was stocked with yummy snacks for late night munching.

Sense Beach House Guest Room

Snacks at Sense Beach House

Then I got to peek at their rooftop which is, for now, only available to guests of the hotel. Too bad, as one step out and I was dreaming of my next private cocktail party there. The glistening, petite pool is surrounded by chaise lounges, an outdoor shower, circular seating space, and even a bar. It’s heavenly and perfectly intimate making you feel as if you’re at your own beach house (or a close friend’s) just south of Fifth. Only this Beach House, called Sense, hands you a menu and makes your bed. Sounds even better to me.

Sense Beach House Rooftop

It all looked so inviting and after my morning adventure and a filling, delicious meal at their restaurant, The Local House, I was ready to set my bag down and crash for the weekend. I’ll just have to book a staycation soon. Actually, from what they told me, I’ll have to book a bit in advance as their weekends usually sell out quickly as often times their guests are repeat customers. Who can blame them with all Sense Beach House has to offer. Check them out the next time you’re in the South Beach area and experience Miami Beach in a way you never have before.

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